Sri Lanka had three wickets in hand and required 13 off the last over by Grant Elliott but could only manage 10 runs as they lost two wickets. The leading bowlers for New Zealand were Trent Boult with three for 21 and Matt Henry with three for 44

The result put the pressure on Sri Lanka to win the second and final game in Auckland on Sunday or they will slip from first to third in the world rankings.

New Zealand made 182-4 in their 20 overs and Sri Lanka replied with 179-9. Sri Lanka lost early wickets and were 86-5 at the halfway stage with top scorer Danushka Gunathilaka back in the pavilion after hitting 46 off 29 deliveries.